Farm security men shoot two gangsters

TWO men suspected of being members of a gang which targeted farms in the Eston area have been shot dead by members of the Magma Security company.

Magma Security owner Shaheen Suleiman said the gang had been stealing truck tyres and goods from workshops in the area.

Suleiman said a client contacted him on Saturday after six truck tyres had been stolen.

“At 2am we tracked the thieves into the sugar cane fields. They opened fire on us so we had to return fire in self- defence.” Two suspects were shot in the gun battle, which took place in the dark in occasional drizzle.

Sulieman said six tyres and two unlicensed firearms were recovered.

The other suspects escaped.

“The gang has been harassing farmers in the area and workshop theft has been rife. Criminals must realise we are going to resist them. We’ll fight if we have to,” said Suleiman.

It is believed an inquest docket was opened in regard to the deaths of the suspects.

Captain Thulani Zwane of the SA Police Force confirmed the incident.